COVID-19
Bickerstock 2020 as we all know and love it has been cancelled for this year.
However!
Paul Draper one of the founder members of Bickerstock and landlord of The Junction Pub Rainford, has decided to hold a mini festival behind the The Junction Pub in Rainford on the weekend of the cancelled Bickerstock 2020 Festival. This isn’t the normal Bickerstock charity event, and it’s not an attempt to replace Bickerstock. Paul’s festival is free to attend and is subject to strict COVID-19 controls. Paul sees it as a chance for local performers to enjoy playing to a live audience again. This event is not associated with the annual Bickerstock charitable community event and all public liability remains with The Junction Pub, Rainford.
There are limited facilities for camping and these are restricted to camper vans and caravans only.
The mini festivalwill run from Friday evening on 31st July to Sunday 2nd August. It will be a cutdown version and we may have to limit the numbers attending due to social distancing guidelines.
Details will be posted on the Bickerstock Festival Facebook page, so follow the link below to find out more.
Normal Bickerstock will be back next year with the normal festival in the normal location.
Here’s to 2021, stay safe, look after your loved ones and each other. We’ll see you all next year.
ONCE UPON A TIME….The Story Behind Bickerstock
You may not know it, but tucked away in the lanes of Bickerstaffe was a recording studio called Dead Frog Studios, run by a nice bloke called Paul Draper. It was in this studio that Paul first dreamt up the idea for the Bickerstaffe Community Free Music Festival: ‘Bickerstock’, as it became known.Read more…
The first two festivals were held in the field outside the Stanley Gate Pub – convenient since festival goers and bands could pop in for a beer! These days Bickerstock takes place at Bickerstaffe Parish Field, on Hall Lane.
Over the years, more and more locals have come together to support Paul’s vision. The committee has evolved and now includes a cross-section of the community.
In the past, the festival has enjoyed support from international Soca music legend and Trinidadian, Sheldon Blackman, and world renowned classical steel drummer and amazingly versatile musician, Clifton Harrydass. Sheldon managed to fit Bickerstock into his busy schedule in 2019, and both artists are always very welcome in Bickerstaffe!
THE FESTIVAL AIMS;
- TO PROMOTE LIVE MUSIC
Bickerstock gives up-and-coming local musicians the opportunity to perform alongside established musicians, and gives the people of West Lancs the opportunity to hear local talent. Read more…
There are Open Mic sessions hosted by various artists on the Bar Stage throughout the weekend, and these are a firm favourite, giving local up-and-coming artists the opportunity to showcase their talents.
- TO BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Residents from Bickerstaffe and beyond are made welcome, and many locals get involved in helping to organise and run the event.Read more…
Community organisations are encouraged to get involved with the running and organisation of the festival. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together and enjoy music, fresh air and (fingers crossed) some sunshine.
Local businesses can get involved, offering sponsorship in return for an advert in our festival printed programme.
- TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY
Over the years Bickerstock has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes and charities, including a donation to the refurbishment of the Bickerstaffe Mission building;Read more…
In the words of Sheldon Blackman, “It’s all good!”